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Abhishek Maharaj (Sitar Player)

Abhishek Maharaj is an internationally acclaimed Sitar player from India. A 15th generation musician born into the widely respected Benaras Gharana (musician family), he has performed to enthusiastic audiences at music festivals around the globe such as the the Diwali festival (NZ), Music & Yoga Festival (Italy), and many others.

Abhishek Maharaj is well known for his unique approach to his instrument. He has a wide understanding of music that sets him apart from other performers. The melody and fluency he expresses on his instrument speak of deep emotions and moods with clarity and precision rarely heard on the Sitar. His knowledge of the healing benefits of music makes listening to his Sitar performances a truly powerful experience.

He received his early education as a Tabla player from his father Pandit Vikash Maharaj. As a teenager, Abhishek developed a natural inclination towards learning the Sitar. His mother inspired him to change instruments and organized Sitar lessons from his father Pandit Vikash Maharaj of the prestigious Maihar Senia Gharana (the same lineage as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan). The legacy of his family's tradition, which also includes his great grandfathers as Late Pandit Bade Ram Das and the Late Pandit Kanthe Maharaj, his maternal grand father Padma Vibhushan Late Pandit Kishan Maharaj is a rare and precious gift that distinguishes Abhishek Maharaj from his pears.

He has performed internationally in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Singapore, Germany, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and many other countries. While overseas he performed with famous artists, such as James Pinker, Tom Bailey, Joshua Geisler, John Ellis, and many others.

Abhishek Maharaj has also composed and performed on many CDs, which are available both nationally and internationally. He has composed many of his own original pieces, such as Banarasi Thumari, , Shanti, Samadhi, as well as helped his father with music for documentary film The Holiwater Project (NZ).WWW.HOLIWATER.COM

Abhishek Maharaj has performed as a special invitee in several famous festivals and concerts in India. These include Ganga Mahotsav, Badri Kedar Utsav, Buddha Mahotsav, Uttar Pradesh Parva, Luchnow Mahotsav, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in India.
In his music carrier he has been awarded many honors and medals, including highly prestigious National Scholarship in the field of Music by Govt. of India.

“Guinness Book of world record” performed in largest Sitar Ensemble - New Delhi (2008)"